Go down memory lane at the Old Residency and Slave Museum
The Old Residency was Nigeria’s first “State House” when Calabar was the country’s capital. It is now a national museum and considered to be one of the best in the country. The first occupant of the Residency – which was prefabricated in Britain and then shipped to Calabar in 1884 – was Consul Edward Hewett. It was also a prison and held the exiled Benin king, Oba Ovoranmwen in the cellar below its kitchen in 1897. After the colonial rulers left, the Old Residency was converted into a national monument, which was official opened in August 1986. It is an apt destination for any visitor to the city who wants to gain some knowledge on Nigeria’s history especially during the colonial era. It also has an immense reserve of information on cultures and lifestyles of the ethnic groups which make up the area.
The Slave History Museum offers a detailed history of Calabar’s role as a port during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade as well as its exhibited sculptural pieces and artefacts chronicling the various stages of the trade. Both structures give a breathtaking view of Calabar River and the rich vegetation surrounding it.
Savour the delicacies
The fame of Calabar cuisine precedes it. Visitors to the town which is Nigeria’s first capital ensure that they get a taste of it. The delicacies include Afang, Edikaikong, Afia Efere, Ekpang Nkukwo and Editan soups as well as roasted plantain served with bush meat or fresh fish among a variety of other exotic dishes. Some of the best places in town to savour these dishes include Eme Inn, Supreme Dishes and K’s Court.
‘Hang out’ with drill monkeys
The drill monkeys are endangered species of monkeys. The Afi Mountains, Calabar and some part of the Cameroons are the only places they are found in the world. Some of them are being housed at the Drill Monkey Rehabilitation Centre in Calabar town along with chimpanzees. At the Drill Ranch, the project site and quarantine facility for new animals and a veterinary surgery, six drill breeding groups are housed and may be only opportunity visitors have to see and know about drill monkeys. At the facility, there are about 39 animals spanning four generations, including its first drill, named “Calabar” who is now a great grandmother.
Breeze and ocean views on Tortuga Island
The Island is located at the Marina Resort with a well-landscaped outdoor sitting area. The colonial architecture, plantation-styled bars and gardens with the panoramic water view would make any meal or drink taste even better.
Leisure time at Tinapa
Located on the outskirts of town, Tinapa is a potpourri of sorts offering various activities from entertainment, business, agro-tourism, hospitality and culture among others for individuals, groups and the family. It is a safe and relaxing haven for anyone yearning for serenity and calm away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort boasts of an artificial tidal lake whose source is the Cross River, a children’s arcade, digital cinema, water park and leisure land, restaurants and an amphitheatre among others interesting attraction. It is an apt place for a weekend getaway.
